Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been trending as a weight loss remedy for the past few years. Some people also use it as a salad dressing because it improves digestion, reduces heartburn, and helps regulate blood sugar.
But did you know that you can also use it for your hair to treat dandruff and relieve an itchy scalp?
Yes, this miracle elixir sitting in your kitchen closet can reduce the most stubborn and bewildering hair problem—dandruff.
Why Should You Try Apple Cider Vinegar For Dandruff?
Before we talk about some ways to use ACV for dandruff, let’s talk a bit about what ACV is and why people are fans of this stuff.
Basically, ACV is made through a two-step fermentation process. First, apples are crushed to extract their juice and then it is mixed with yeast to ferment the sugars. The fermented sugar turns into alcohol into which bacteria are added to convert the mix into acetic acid. Don’t worry about the term “acid,” as it simply refers to its position on the pH scale.
The final result is a tangy, amber-coloured liquid which we call apple cider vinegar. It contains beneficial compounds like acetic acid, enzymes, and probiotics that contribute to its health benefits.
ACV has several properties that may help with various hair and scalp issues:
- It is believed to have anti-fungal effects.
- It may help kill bacteria.
- It has an acidic pH of approx 2–3.
- It is rich in acids, minerals, and live cultures.
- It has anti-inflammatory benefits.
- It contains vitamins C and B.
- It acts as an antioxidant.
How can it help?
Looking at these properties, it makes sense that ACV could be useful for treating dandruff and other hair problems. Dull hair is often more alkaline, so an acidic product like ACV may help restore the natural pH balance of the scalp and hair. The pH of your scalp can be affected by oil buildup, sweat, pollution, sun exposure, and the use of different hair products. ACV may help balance the pH by reducing the alkalinity of your scalp and hair. Plus, the vitamins C and B in ACV can help strengthen your hair.
ACV’s anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties can aid in reducing dandruff. Dandruff is often caused by a fungus called Malassezia Globosa, which breaks down excess oil on your scalp, leading to irritation. Some studies suggest that ACV can reduce fungal growth and help remove excess oil and buildup on the scalp, offering relief from dandruff.
ACV can also soothe an itchy scalp while adding shine to your hair. Some people claim that it helps smooth hair and reduce breakage. Its acidic nature may also encourage the shedding of dead skin cells, which can be beneficial for your scalp’s overall health.
Also Read: Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar
8 Simple Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Dandruff
Knowing the benefits of ACV for dandruff control, you might be eager to grab that bottle from the kitchen and head straight to the bathroom. But hold your horses, my friend!
You don’t want to dump ACV straight from the bottle onto your head as it is acidic and applying it directly on hair may cause more harm than good. The key to using ACV safely on your hair is to dilute it with water.
Before you use ACV for dandruff, you should also perform a patch test if you have never applied it to your skin. Simply apply the diluted vinegar to the back of your hand and wait for 24 hours to check for any signs of irritation, redness, or inflammation. If there’s no reaction, you are good to go!
Now, let’s hop on to learn some ways to use this ingredient to get rid of dandruff:
1. ACV Rinse
First, mix 2 parts of ACV with one part of water. There are no real rules behind this; it is just the most commonly recommended mix. Keep this mix aside and shampoo your hair using a mild shampoo like Krishna’s Aloevera Shampoo or Kesharogyam Complete Care Shampoo. These are ayurvedic shampoos that don’t strip your scalp of essential oils.
After shampooing your hair, pour the ACV wash slowly over your head. Take a few breaks to massage the mixture into your scalp with your fingers. Leave the mixture to sit in your head for a couple of minutes and then simply rinse your hair with lukewarm water.
2. ACV With Essential Oil
The pungent smell of ACV can be off-putting for some. To avoid this, you can mix it with an essential oil of your choice, like tea tree, lavender, or peppermint.
Mix 2 tablespoons of ACV with 1 cup of water, then add 5 to 10 drops of any essential oil. Tea tree oil is the best choice to go for, as it has antifungal properties that prevent fungus overgrowth, which causes dandruff. It is also a natural conditioner that helps prevent flaking and soothes the scalp. Remember, you are playing with more elements now which could react with your skin. So, always do a patch test before you use vinegar for dandruff.
3. ACV Hair Mask with Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is the best gift of Mother Nature to mankind, a well-known plant for its soothing and cooling properties. Adding it to a hair mask with ACV for dandruff can calm your irritated scalp and also create a moisturizing barrier on the scalp that will nourish it.
Make a mix of 5 tablespoons Aloe vera Gel, 3 tablespoons of ACV, and 1 cup of water. Combine them well, then apply the mixture to your scalp and hair. Let it be there for 20 minutes, then rinse off with cold water.
4. ACV and Baking Soda Scrub
Baking soda is a gentle exfoliant as well as an excellent cleansing agent that helps get rid of dead skin cells. When it is mixed with ACV, it becomes a great remedy for removing dandruff without causing irritation.
Mix 2 tablespoons of ACV with 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and mix them well until it forms a paste consistency. Apply this directly on your scalp and leave it for 5 for minutes, then shampoo and condition your hair with cool water.
5. ACV Spray Treatment
This is a convenient, everyday treatment for dandruff. Mix 1 part of ACV with 2 parts of water in a spray bottle. Before you wash your hair, spray it all over your scalp, massage it well and keep it on for 20 minutes.
6. ACV And Honey For Dandruff
Honey has natural antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties which give excellent results when combined with ACV. This combination reduces scalp dryness as well as removes the dandruff from your scalp.
Take 2 tablespoons of ACV and 1 tablespoon of pure honey. Apply on your scalp and then wash it off with water after 20-30 minutes.
7. ACV And Fenugreek
Fenugreek and ACV can be a powerful combination for tackling dandruff. Fenugreek/methi known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties can help cleanse your scalp and reduce dandruff buildup. To make this mixture, combine the water of overnight soaked fenugreek seeds with 1 teaspoon of ACV. Apply the mixture to your scalp and leave it on for 30 to 40 minutes before washing it off with water.
8. Lemon And ACV For Dandruff
Lemon juice is naturally rich in citric acid, which helps exfoliate dead skin cells, and ACV balances your scalp’s pH and tackles dandruff-causing fungus.
Mix 2 tablespoons of ACV with 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 cup of water. Apply the solution to your scalp using a spray bottle or a cotton ball. Leave it on for around 5-10 minutes, then wash with lukewarm water.
Every individual reacts differently to remedies for dandruff, so you must tread carefully. No matter what method you choose to use ACV for dandruff, make sure to do a patch test beforehand, and ensure it does not burn or irritate your skin while using it. Use ACV once a week, and if the problem of dandruff does not settle or you suffer from chronic dandruff or flaky scalp issues, consult a dermatologist.
Recent Articles
Related products
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
